In my years on newspapers, I’ve had the highest respect for photojournalists. While they make me crazy when they demand no photo be cropped, or write unintelligible cutlines, I’ve always known their talent isn’t one you form, it’s one you have. Nearly all of the photogs I’ve known at newspapers are brilliant at what they do because … it’s who they are. They capture the beauty in a moment. The pain. The unbridled passion or anguish that us writers can only attempt to express. Think back to some of the best photos you’ve seen – many were captured by photographers from media publications risking their well-being to get those images and share stories in the most touching way possible.

Needless to say, I’m devastated to see that any newspaper would adopt this layoff decision as one that would help their budget. I can’t imagine they’ll ever tell a story more completely now. I sincerely hope this trend doesn’t spread, and that more people learn to appreciate the bravery, talent and doggedness photojournalists have.